As a mother of two beautiful children and a bun in the oven, I know how difficult it is to find clothes that fit your changing shapes. My first pregnancy made me forgo the idea of style in favor of comfort, but it also made me wonder if there was a better way.

My second pregnancy sent me on a quest to find and design a special, comfortable, and stylish wardrobe that fits me well. This time, I decided that settling for JUST cozy was not an option. 

Why? 

Because I realized a stylish outfit uplifts my mood and makes me feel visible. It was my way of rebelling against the notion that expecting moms should fade into the background. And trust me, if someone who could barely match socks (yep, me) can find a way to navigate fashion amidst bottle feeds and diaper changes, anyone can.

For my third run, I mastered the art of creating looks that are all about ease without sacrificing my vibe. Plus, let’s be real – getting compliments at playdates or grocery runs does wonders for your self-esteem!

So, if you’re ready to ditch those baggy sweatpants for well-fitted jeans, I’m here to help you find chic and comfortable items that suit your evolving silhouette.

The base layer’s main job is to provide extra insulation and wick the moisture away from your skin. As the baby grows and your hormones change, you may sweat more or become more sensitive to temperature changes, but an adequate base layer will keep you comfortable.

So, even if you can’t wait to put together a maternity wardrobe that’s tailored to your style, you first need to find a few essential and versatile pieces you’ll reach for day after day. 

Let’s talk about long tanks first – they’re the undercover heroes of layering for those mamas who want to stay covered as the baby grows. If you can’t wait to show off your bump, regular body tanks will do as well (or you can just lift up the long ones). 

Look for soft, stretchy materials that feel good against your skin. The key is comfort and ease, so anything fussy isn’t going to cut it.

For personalization purposes, go for colors that suit your daily life. Neutrals are your best friend for versatility, but a pop of color is always a great way to brighten your mood. The fun part about a long tank is that you can wear it as it is or layer different lengths on top of it and design a stylish outfit. 

Leggings are another absolute must when you’re pregnant. Not only do they fit at stages when nothing else does, but they’re also comfortable before, during, and after pregnancy. Aim for buttery-soft fabrics but also durable enough not to wear thin after repeated use. 

Elevate them by pairing them under longer tops or dresses that showcase your style – think vibrant tunics, cozy oversized sweaters, or even button-downs left open over a form-fitting tank dress.

The last piece that’s a must-have in your pregnancy wardrobe is the everyday dress. You want a design that stretches and moves with you, no matter your trimester. You can make this dress the go-to item for warm and hot days when you want to feel comfy and stylish, so choose a color that brightens your mood and fits your skin tone. 

Accessorize with a lightweight scarf or flashy belt above the bump to define your shape and add a hint of personality.

Once you have your base layer essentials, you can start thinking more about personalization from top to bottom. We put together a few pieces with additional personalization tips that will have you smiling when you open the closet in the morning.

Simple tees become your canvas for expression during pregnancy. If you want simplicity, look for tees with a touch of detail, like a boat neck or a curved hem, to give some oomph to the basics. 

For bolder outfits, embrace interesting patterns and vivid colors. Anything that resonates with your current mood and helps you feel good about yourself will do.

Flowy tops are your ally. They skim rather than cling and add an air of sophistication. Find pieces with interesting necklines or asymmetrical cuts, as these features keep it exciting without sacrificing any comfort.

Choose solid colors to match the items already in your wardrobe, or select bold prints to stand out.

Hoodies and cardigans are not staples of elegance, but they are cozy and warm. As your belly gets bigger, you may find yourself reaching out for your favorite hoodie or cardigan, and that’s absolutely normal.

Customize them by adding patches, embroidery, or even changing out drawstrings for ribbons – small changes have a big impact when it comes to reflecting who you are. You can even create hoodies that suit your current state of mind and use them to tell your story without having to open your mouth.

Jeans are a must-have item in every wardrobe, but they’re not exactly the most flexible option when it comes to maternity. Luckily, during the first stage of your pregnancy, you’ll find a wide range of styles with varying belly panel designs. 

The fun part is that you can turn them into a little DIY project and make them unique. There are plenty of decorations you can stitch or apply on jeans, so don’t be shy! You’ll only wear them for a couple of months, so why not make it memorable?

Once jeans no longer feel comfortable, it’s time for stretchy pants. Look for elegant designs in vibrant hues like cobalt blue or olive green to brighten up your wardrobe.

Once you’ve got the clothing basics down, it’s time to dive into accessorizing. You want to add pizzazz without compromising on ease and functionality.

Here are a few tips to guide you:

If you’re pregnant during the summer months, sunglasses are effortlessly chic and functional. They’re a quick fix for tired eyes and an instant polish for any look. Choose a frame shape that flatters your face, whether it’s a timeless aviator or a bold cat-eye design, and maybe try out a tinted lens for added flair. 

Next, let’s talk about shoes. When your feet are swollen all day long, the desire to walk everywhere barefoot is strong. Luckily, you don’t have to take such drastic measures – you can find comfortable and stylish shoes that will help you carry along even on the most hectic days.

Flats with cushioned soles, supportive slip-ons, or ankle boots with a wide heel can be both cozy and stylish choices throughout pregnancy. And don’t hesitate to go bright or patterned – it could be the perfect pop your ensemble needs.

Lastly, you can’t forget about jewelry – it’s the perfect accessory that lets you showcase your individual style regardless of occasion. Opt for pieces like stud earrings or delicate necklaces, which are versatile enough to go with everything but still distinctive enough to reflect your taste. 

As you ready yourself for the incredible journey of motherhood, creating a wardrobe that grows with you and allows your personal style to shine is both practical and a celebration of this transformative time. From soft tanks and leggings to breezy tops and personalized jeans, your attire can be as dynamic as your pregnancy journey itself. So, here’s to stepping into motherhood with style and comfort by your side!